BEST GROWLER FILLER-UPPER (2009)

Until recently, finding a brewery that would fill up your growler (beer-speak for a 64-ounce jug) with a bold, full-bodied Belgium-style craft beer required a road trip to San Diego. Enter The Bruery in Placentia, where owner and brewer Patrick Rue will gladly pump up Orchard White (an unfiltered witbier scented with coriander and citrus peel), Black Orchard (black wheat beer), or whatever special brews he happens to have on tap into your awaiting super-sized growler To-Go. It's a neat trick for saving money on beer you plan to drink in the next day or two, but the beer won't stay fresh very long. If you don't have a growler, you can buy one at The Bruery, or stick with the 750 ml bottles for $8 to $11. That may sounds steep for beer, but these are higher-alcohol, almost wine-like brews that favor sipping rather than slugging. Or swing by the tasting room for a $6 tasting flight or pint of your favorite pick. 715 Dunn Way, Placentia. (714) 996-6258, thebruery.com.